when did you know it was time to switch formula? and what did you switch to?

DS is just about 4 weeks old, I've breastfed/pumped up until now but supplemented probably 4-8 ounces per day due to supply issues and/or DH helping out with night feedings.....we switched to Similac Sensitive (ready to feed bottles) just over a week ago because at 2 1/2 weeks old he started getting really fussy/gassy, arching his back after feedings, pumping his legs, had lots of trouble getting to sleep in the evening (up to 3 hours awake at times and then wakes up after only 30-60 minutes). He seemed a little better at first w/ Similac Sensitive instead of Similac Advanced....but now he seems a bit constipated again (some days only goes once per day). He seems bloated and this has me concerned as I'm having breastfeeding issues and was considering making the switch to 100% formula this week (my nips have become blanched and my Medela pump stopped working right and it's only been used for 3 weeks!).

Anyway, I just wanted to ask if you switched formulas at what age did you decide to? What did you switch from/to and did it help? I was considering trying Enfamil Gentlease, I don't want to switch around too much but I also feel like it's a bit of trial & error since you don't know how your baby will react to it until you try it....I just feel so bad when he seems so uncomfortable after eating and I want to do whatever I can to make him feel better. He does not cry for hours on end, so I wouldn't classify him as truly having colic, but I want to prevent the gas/constipation as much as I can. I also started using probiotic drops 2 days ago to help his digestive tract, so hoping that helps too (the Bio Gaia brand now made by Gerber, had great reviews on Amazon). I also dab Gripe Water on his binky when he's super fussy just to calm him down.

Any advice/info is much appreciated for this new mommy!! Thanks!!

Re: when did you know it was time to switch formula? and what did you switch to?

I switched DD's formula around that age too, to Similac Sensitive. She has stayed on it, so I can't recommend another personally, but my ped had also suggested Gentlease or Gerber Goodstart if that hadn't worked. Honestly, for the first 3 months or so I really wondered if we were using the right formula, bc she was gassy and had some poop issues on and off, but the ped told me as her digestive system matured, she'd grow out of it...and she did. We fortunately never had a constipation issue, but gas drops in every bottle and lots of bicycle kicks helped us through that time! Good luck, I remember those days and second guessing her formula so many times. Hope you find one that works for your little guy soon!

when did you know it was time to switch formula? and what did you switch to?

Dd1 we switched from advanced to sensitive and that was it.
Dd2 was more of a pita lol. We switched her so many times and she's only 5 months old. We did wind up on and have been on for a whole no enfamil ar. ( rice) b/c of spit up issues and reflux.

We switched b/c of her crankiness and she pooped every diaper, literally. He def affected her stomach. Sensitive was not much better. Then we switched to enfamil gentlease. Worked good for a while. But then spit up issues and reflux symptoms. We are on reflux meds. We used gas drops and added rice formula and are better.

It is trial and error. I would gentlease and see how that goes. Part of it is he's so young, part of it being the formula and or bm could be bothering him. If that doesn't work bring him in with a poop diaper and test for milk allergy. He may need a really broken down formula. I would def try the enfamil first. A simple formula change can make a difference.

Re: when did you know it was time to switch formula? and what did you switch to?

I can't advise in formula as I never used it, but I just wanted to say try changing the little white membranes on your pump and see if then in works better. They wear out quickly if you are using it a lot and are super cheap

Re: when did you know it was time to switch formula? and what did you switch to?

Re: when did you know it was time to switch formula? and what did you switch to?

I was going to say gent lease - I find it works the best - esp. when supplementing

Re: when did you know it was time to switch formula? and what did you switch to?

Congrats to you on the birth of your DS!

My DD was kicking her legs, whimpering, restless at night, spitting up. So we switched at about 2 mths after me insisting with the ped that she was not tolerating the Similac well.

We switched to Similac Sensitive and within 3 days I had a different child. She did have reflux and I always had to sit her up for a long time after a feeding. Also, she did get a bit more constipated from Sim sensitive. She did stay on it until one year but she never pooped easily.

Message edited 9/22/2013 11:03:37 PM.

Re: when did you know it was time to switch formula? and what did you switch to?